Musician of note celebrates 70 years of music at university

Students and staff were joined by a musician of note recently in celebration of over 70 years of music teaching at the University of Wolverhampton.

Professor Lincoln Abbotts, Executive Director: Strategic Development at the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), gave his inaugural lecture as Visiting Professor of Music Education in the Chancellor’s Hall.

Lincoln, who was born in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire, graduated with a degree in Music from the University of Manchester and went on to study a postgraduate qualification at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

An enthusiastic member of the county youth ensembles of Staffordshire, Lincoln has developed an enviable reputation as a flautist, composer, conductor, teacher and workshop director who has worked extensively throughout the UK and overseas.

In 2003, Lincoln became Learning Consultant to the BBC Proms before becoming a Senior Manager within the BBC – working with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. In 2012 he moved to ABRSM, the UK’s largest music education body and the world’s leading provider of music exams.

Dr John Pymm, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “Lincoln has worked with the education programmes of orchestras, opera companies, art galleries and dance schools and has also been the driving force behind international projects with performers. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to take part in such a high-profile event and benefit from hearing about his vast and varied experience as a musician and educator.”

Alex Robottom, studying for a Master’s Degree in Music, said: “Lincoln Abbott’s lecture gave us a keen insight into the life, work and practice of the Faculty of Arts’ new visiting professor.

“The celebration evening managed to showcase not only the best of Lincoln but the best of the current crop of students from the Music department. The event combined students from Musical Theatre, Music, Popular Music and Music Technology - a wonderful evening full of promise for the future. We’re really looking forward to benefiting from Lincoln’s vast knowledge and experience.”

The University has invested £18 million in a Performance Hub at its Walsall Campus.

ENDS

For more information please contact the Media Relations Office on 01902 32 2736 or 01902 518647.